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Orlando, FL (October 24) – Yesterday, at the Lake Nona Impact Forum, an annual convergence of top thought leaders representing academia, industry, healthcare delivery, and government, leaders from many of the nation’s foremost organizations signed the CEO Pledge at a session led by Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Johnson & Johnson. The CEO Pledge – a nationwide campaign promoted by the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA) – aims to encourage every CEO in the United States to recognize and champion physical activity as an important driver of employee performance, health, and engagement.

“Our employees are our greatest asset, and we believe that by investing in their health, we are investing in the success of our business,” said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. “I am honored to convene this group of senior leaders to sign the CEO Pledge and make a strong statement about the importance of physical activity. Getting people moving is a critical priority for our country and we, as leaders, must set the example by providing opportunities for employees and their families to become more active and improve their health and quality of life.”

More than 150 CEOs have signed the CEO Pledge since its launch last year. Joining Alex Gorsky of Johnson & Johnson, today’s signing ceremony added Mark Verstegen, Founder and President of Athlete’s Performance; Mel Zuckerman, Founder of Canyon Ranch; Pat Geraghty, Chairman and CEO of Florida Blue; Des Cummings, Jr., President of Florida Hospital Foundations; John Brooks, President and CEO of Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard University; Jim Zboril, President of Lake Nona; Thad Seymour, PhD, President of Lake Nona Institute; Roger Oxendale, CEO of Nemours Children’s Hospital Orlando; David Bailey, MD, President and CEO of The Nemours Foundation; Tim Liezert, Medical Center Director of Orlando VA Medical Center; Jeff Arnold, Founder and CEO of Share Care; Rasesh Thakkar, Senior Managing Director of Tavistock Group; and Deborah German, MD, Dean of the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine. A complete listing of signatories may be found at http://www.ncppa.org/ceo-pledge .

For more information on NCPPA’s CEO Pledge, including how to join the movement for physical activity in the workplace, please visit www.ncppa.org. For more information about the Lake Nona Impact Forum, please visit http://www.lakenonaimpactforum.org.

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About the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity

NCPPA is the leading force in the country promoting physical activity and fitness initiatives. We are a diverse blend of associations, health organizations, and private corporations, advocating for policies that encourage Americans of all ages to become more physically active.